December 1st: The First Door to Christmas
December 1st has always felt like the start of something special. It’s not just another day on the calendar—it’s the day when the Christmas season really begins. Growing up just outside of Boston, December 1st meant the house felt different, the air carried a little more excitement, and the traditions we looked forward to all year finally started.
One of those traditions was the advent calendar. Every year, my mother would buy one for my brother and me, each door hiding a small piece of chocolate. We’d open them together each morning, marking the days until Christmas in a way that felt simple and perfect.
At some point, my brother and I figured out that our parents were “Mr. and Mrs. Claus.” Instead of spoiling the magic, we turned it into a mission. We searched every corner of the house, determined to find where the gifts were hidden. Eventually, my parents caught on and tried to outsmart us by locking the stash behind a closet door. But my brother, always the problem-solver, saw this as a challenge. He taught himself how to pick the lock just to find out what he was getting for Christmas. My parents knew what was going on—they had to—but they let us have our fun anyway.
Another tradition was playing John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over). That song always kicked off the season for us. It played as we decorated, “teased” each other, and got excited about Christmas morning. Even now, hearing Lennon sing, “So this is Christmas…” takes me right back. To this day, it’s the first song I play when December starts—it sets the tone for the season.
Now, living in the White Mountains, December 1st carries a different kind of meaning. It’s still about tradition and connection, but it also reminds me of the people I’ve lost, especially my brother, earlier this year. My brother wasn’t someone who just celebrated Christmas—he WAS Christmas. His energy filled the room, larger than life, and he went all out to make the season unforgettable. He spoiled everyone, not because he had to, but because he loved making people smile. The joy he created was contagious, and Christmas mornings felt magical because of him.
December 1st is a fresh start—the start of a season that’s all about love, connection, and remembering what really matters. Whether it’s decorating your home, making time for loved ones, or just slowing down to enjoy the moment, I hope you find something special in this day. Here’s to making the most of it.
